Big Think has been in public beta for a quite a while now, but I was waiting to see if it would take-off before writing about it. Now that Big Think has nearly 7,000 video commentaries, I feel that it is here to stay.

Big Think is a video website containing expert commentary on a wide range of issues and ideas. The experts featured on Big Think really are experts in their fields. Harvard Professors, editors of major news publications, politicians, and other recognized authorities offer their commentary on various issues and ideas. Registered users of Big Think can comment on and discuss the videos or post an idea to have others discuss.

Below is a video introduction to Big Think

Application for Educators
Big Think is a good resource to use with students when discussions arise about topics that lack clear cut answers. Students can compare their opinions with those of the experts. Big Think is also a useful resource for finding expert opinion for research or persuasive writing assignments.

Here is a sample video from Big Think in which Robert Thurman, Professor of Buddhist Studies at Columbia University responds to the question “where is China today?”